Ink Painting (Japan)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Although Chinese ink painting had been known in Japan since the Heian period (CE 794-1185), it was in the 13th century that the concepts and techniques of Song dynasty (CE 960-1279) ink painters profoundly impacted Japanese artistic culture.
1970.8 Monju (Manjushri)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This highly stylized image from esoteric Buddhist iconography represents the youthful bodhisattva Manjushri, embodiment of highest wisdom. His emblems are a book and a sword. The book, symbolizing Buddhist holy texts, rests on a lotus blossom; the flaming sword symbolically cleaves the darkness of ignorance.
Nanbokucho (1336-1392)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Muromachi period (1333-1568) was established by Ashikaga Takauji, who set up his headquarters in the Muromachi section of Kyoto.
1984.202.33 Shirasuka: View of Shiomizaka
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
A daimyō (feudal lord) procession winds through the seaside near Shirasuka, a town which had actually been moved farther inland by the time Andō Hiroshige visited there.
Hakuin Ekaku (1686-1769)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Hakuin Ekaku (1686-1769) is a seminal figure in Zen Buddhism. He is the reviver and de facto founder of the Rinzai tradition, one of the largest Buddhist organizations in Japan today. All present-day priests trace their religious heritage to him.
Buddhism in Japan
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Buddhism was first introduced to Japan from Korea in the 6th century CE, more than 1,000 years after its founding in India. By that time there were various schools, practices, and visual styles informed by the diverse Asian cultures that had adopted and elaborated the religion. Several schools of Buddhism were introduced into Japan in succession.
People in Rooms: Four Paintings by Edouard Vuillard
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The paintings that are the subject of this essay cover a period of less than ten years in Edouard Vuillard’s career and demonstrate a fascination, common to much of his work, with observing people in rooms.